“Courage is not defined by those who fought
and did not fall, but by those who fought, fell, and rose again.”
Too often people believe that courage means not being afraid
of anything. When you think about it, though, that definition is incorrect. After
all, trying to run across a busy intersection does not show courage, it shows a
lack of common sense. The true definition of courage is the ability to face
something that scares you because you know it’s the right thing to do.
It’s also important to remember that courage, like skill in
the martial arts, takes practice and time to develop. If you do not succeed
immediately in facing your fear, that’s okay—what’s important is to come back
and try, again and again, until you succeed. For example, if you are afraid of
heights and try to visit the top of the Empire State Building, it might take
some time. Perhaps on day one, you look up from outside, decide it’s too high,
and go home. On day two, maybe you make it to the ticket line, but when it’s
time to pay you decide not to go. But finally, on day three you work up all of
your courage and make it to the top to see the view of New York City. It might
take days, months, or years, but all that matters is that you have succeeded.
Courage can take many forms, not just facing a physical fear
of heights, the ocean, or the dark. Saying “No” to someone can often be a
courageous act.
Many young people—and even adults—might face peer pressure
to do something in their lives. These acts are often something they know better
than to do. When faced with insistence from friends, co-workers, or family, it
can be hard to say “No.” Often, people may give into peer pressure as a way to
fit in or not upset the person who’s pressuring them. Giving into peer pressure
shows a lack of courage. The true act of courage is to say “No” when “No” is
the answer.
